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While still retaining the same basic features of the British Bull-Dog, subsequent American models employed an extended frame section at the rear to give improved handing qualities. A change in the grip contour also introduced a new style of grip plate moulded in hard rubber with a symbolic American eagle design. Standard finish was nickel-plating.

There has been some reports of early production examples of this pattern fitted with wooden grip plates and marked as BRITISH BULL-DOG. The 1882 catalogue of Philadelphia gun dealer Joseph C. Grubb & Company quoted the American Bulldog in six calibres ranging from .22 short rimfire to .44 Webley centre fire and prices from $8 to $10.

American British Bull-dog: Calibre .44 Centre-fire, five-shot model manufactured by Johnson and Bye Gunsmiths. BRITISH BULLDOG is stamped onto top strap. Barrel measures 2.5 inches but this example has no rifling grooves, only supplementary rifling notches at muzzle. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

American Bull-Dog: Calibre .44 five-shot First Model made by Iver Johnson Arms Company with Bull Dog title stamped on top strap. Lock mechanism remained similar to previous version made by Johnson & Bye.